HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/17/2019 Item 13, Brown
From:Wendy Brown <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:September 17, item 13
To the Mayor and Council members,
It is wonderful that something is happening to the too-long empty property at the corner of Marsh and Chorro. It is
wonderful that residences are a part of that plan. However - and you knew there would be something - please consider
the following items.
1. It is too tall. I'm sure economic considerations are a major part of this plan, but making it 75' to make up for all those
empty years? It is just too much. Cut off floor 6. Perhaps make the setback at the top of floor 2. Make floor 3 residences
instead of offices.
2. 25% "affordable" units? Not enough. We need an intense effort by our City to provide housing for all those low-
income workers who serve us and the tourists. That housing used to be scattered around the whole town. As those older
units have been torn down, they have been replaced with upscale buildings with few or unaffordable living spaces. I
have heard the excuse that market forces drive this. It is time for moral forces to get money together to build decent,
attractive, affordable spaces for all our residents and workers.
3. Parking. Yes, a parking garage is just across the street, but throwing another 50 or more dwelling units into that mix is
a problem.
If you want people to ride bikes, have you provided for bike parking?
Are the hallways going to be full of bikes? Are the 7 handicapped spaces just for residents? My partner and I seldom go
downtown any more, because we need handicapped parking and it is seldom available. Have you checked the SLO
demographics? The last time I checked, we are are an aging community.
Best wishes as you wrestle with these and other knotty issues. I can't get to the meeting, but I hope you consider the
items in this email.
Wendy Brown
San Luis Obispo
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